CARPAL TUNNEL

 

SPECIAL REPORT

 

 

 

Everything You Need to Know About

 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

Thank you for requesting the “Carpal Tunnel Special Report.” The American Medical Information Association which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Richard J. Ruffini who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Society and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section. 

 

 

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,

 

 

 

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

Don’t delay.

 

 

 

Early treatment means

 

 earlier relief and faster healing.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

 

Q. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

 

 

 

A.  One definition states that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a nerve disorder in the wrist that causes pain and loss of feeling into the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers.  A compression of the median nerve in the wrist results in these uncomfortable and sometimes disabling symptoms. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

 

 

 

A.  Carpal Tunnel is caused by swollen, inflamed, or scarred tissues that put pressure on the median nerve (a nerve that travels through the wrist and controls the hand).  Inflammation of in the wrist can result from fractures, arthritis, sprains/strains, and dislocations.  The most common cause of inflammation in the wrist is repetitive motion associated with continuous, frequent and/or rapid use of hands and fingers.

 

 

 

Q.  What are some symptoms related to Carpal Tunnel?

 

 

 

A.  Carpal Tunnel symptoms are typically mild in the beginning stages and progress gradually over months, or even years if activity with the hands goes unchanged.  It is quite common for symptoms to appear in one or both hands and is often worse at night in the beginning stages.  As symptoms get worse, people often experience tingling or numbness in part of the hand, morning stiffness or cramping in the wrists or hands, frequent dropping of objects, and weakness in the thumb and index finger.  In chronic (long term) cases, tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers, sharp pains that shoot from the wrist up into the arm, burning sensations into the fingers, and muscle wasting can be present.  If any of these symptoms sound familiar it’s a good idea to get checked by your local Chiropractor.

 

 

 

Q.  Who suffers from Carpal Tunnel?

 

 

 

A.  Any person who frequently uses their hands at work or with other activities is susceptible to developing Carpal Tunnel.  Common professions that are at risk include but are not limited to; carpenter, weight lifter, dental hygienist, manicurist, plumber, secretary, and musician.

 

 

 

Q.  Why is Carpal Tunnel more prevalent than ever before?

 

 

 

A.  Some studies show that Carpal Tunnel has become one of the nations leading workplace health expense.  This is why:

 

·        Extreme increase in computer use over the past several decades.

 

·        Lack of ergonomic features in the workplace designed to minimize repetitive motions.

 

·        Lack of knowledge, education and proper training about the disorder.

 

·        Failure to identify the early signs and symptoms to take action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What can I do to stop this wrist pain?

 

 

 

A.  There are several remedies that seem to work best for Carpal Tunnel symptoms. Remember, identifying the problem in its early stages increases the chances of successful prevention, management, and/or treatment.  The following are some treatment options that you should consider discussing with your doctor:

 

·       Rest – Minimize repetitive activities, or avoid them altogether.

 

·       Ice – Reduces pain and inflammation

 

·       NSAIDs – Anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling and inflammation but can have significant side effects with extended use.

 

·       Splints – Effective at night to maintain neutral position of the wrist.  Are awkward when used at work and can weaken the muscles of the hand and wrist.

 

·       Physical Therapy – Can be helpful when steps to improve work ergonomics are also incorporated.

 

·       Surgery – Always the last option!  50% or more of patients will have a return of symptoms within 2-3 years.  This is mainly due to the fact that the majority of surgical patients will return to their previous profession following the surgery.

 

 

 

         

 

Q.  I thought I had Carpal Tunnel.  How can a pinched nerve in my neck be causing pain, numbness and tingling in my hand and fingers?

 

 

 

A.  Symptoms from a pinched nerve in the cervical spine (neck), or disc herniation can mimic carpal tunnel symptoms into the wrists, hands and fingers.  It’s quite common for patients to diagnose themselves with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome then later find out their symptoms are actually radiating (pain that travels from the neck into the arms, hands and fingers) from their neck.  The lesson to be learned here is… If you have pain, numbness or tingling in the hands and/or fingers, let your Chiropractor confirm that it is NOT a pinched nerve, or herniated disc first. These can be very serious conditions if ignored for too long.  Once the condition is properly diagnosed, then the appropriate treatment can be recommended.

 

 

 

Q.  My doctor said that a pinched nerve in my neck is making my Carpal Tunnel worse. How can that be?

 

 

 

A.  A condition known as “Double Crush Syndrome” occurs when Carpal Tunnel symptoms overlap with symptoms from cervical nerve root compression (pinched nerve).  When the median nerve in the wrist is compressed along with compression of the 6^th & 7^th spinal nerve roots, symptoms in the wrists, hands and fingers can be greatly intensified.  In this case, Chiropractic treatment is recommended to achieve maximum results.  Due to the unique nature of this condition it is often overlooked by physicians.

 

 

 

 

Q.  Nothing worked!  So why did my hand numbness go away with just two Chiropractic treatments?

 

 

 

A.  When certain spinal nerves are compressed, numbness and tingling in the hands are a common symptom.  Chiropractic adjustments (manipulation, or treatments) focus on removing nerve interference and restoring normal function to the body.  Chiropractors have tremendous success with patients that experience hand pain and numbness. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What can I expect at my first visit to the Chiropractor?

 

 

 

A.  An initial visit to our office will always begin with a warm welcome.  A thorough history will be reviewed with the Doctor to determine the patient’s chief complaints, symptomatic review, and current and past health issues.  An examination will then follow, checking range of motion, muscle and bone palpation, and any necessary orthopedic or neurological tests.  X-rays will also be taken when warranted.  Before performing any treatments, we take great pride in a explaining the x-rays findings, diagnosis, and if the condition can be helped with Chiropractic care. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

 

without the use of drugs and surgery,

 

 

 

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

 

 

 During your consultation, Dr. Ruffini will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

 

 

“We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need. 

 

We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

 

Warmly,

 

Dr. Rich Ruffini 

 

 

 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision.

 

Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems.

 

The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ruffini. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Ruffini in his office.